Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched a scathing attack on Baroness Michelle Mone, stating it is a 'disgraceful state of affairs' that the peer needs to be 'dragged through the courts' to repay millions of pounds owed to the British public for faulty personal protective equipment (PPE).
The Health Secretary's Stern Rebuke
During an interview on LBC, Mr Streeting piled pressure on the disgraced Conservative peer, reiterating his demand for her to return the multi-million pound sum. He revealed that the government is actively pursuing the money but must be tactically cautious.
'We're going after it,' Streeting stated. 'I have to be careful about what I say next. Because if I say too much about what we're doing and how we're doing it, that gives Baroness Mone's legal team some insight that I'd rather they didn't have.'
He emphasised that as a member of the House of Lords, Baroness Mone should not require legal compulsion to do the right thing and refund the taxpayer.
The Scale of the PPE Medpro Scandal
The controversy centres on PPE Medpro, a consortium led by Baroness Mone's husband, Doug Barrowman. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) initiated legal proceedings after the company supplied 25 million sterile gowns during the COVID-19 pandemic that were later deemed faulty.
The firm has since gone into administration, and newly revealed paperwork shows it could owe as much as £190 million to the taxpayer. This staggering figure includes a £148 million bill for damages, costs, and interest owed to the DHSC after losing a High Court lawsuit.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the company owes £39 million to the taxman. Baroness Mone and Mr Barrowman, who reside on the Isle of Man, have reportedly benefitted from £65 million in profits from PPE deals totalling £202 million, which the company secured after she lobbied the government.
Ongoing Investigations and Fallout
Separately from the civil case, the couple and PPE Medpro are subject to an ongoing criminal investigation by the National Crime Agency. Despite the mounting legal and financial pressure, the couple have consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The administration of PPE Medpro, which occurred on the eve of the damning High Court judgement, has added a further layer of complexity to the government's efforts to claw back public funds. This case continues to be a focal point for public anger over pandemic procurement and the conduct of those in positions of power.
